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Rev. Keith can be reached at
MCCBR by telephone at (225) 248-0404 oror by email at
RevKeith@mccbr.org.
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Reading: Matthew 6 -13 (The Message
Bible)
The World Is Not a Stage
1"Be
especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a
performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't
be applauding.
2-4"When you do something for someone else, don't call
attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I
call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage,
acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds.
They get applause,
true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how
it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God,
who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. Pray with
Simplicity
5"And when
you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All
these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do
you think God sits in a box seat?
6"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so
you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and
honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will
begin to sense his grace.
7-13"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are
prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling
techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense.
This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you
need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set
the world right; Do what's best— as above, so
below.
Keep us alive with
three square meals.
Keep
us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you
want!
You're ablaze in
beauty!
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
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